Home to over 50 big cats, Tiger Creek was created in 1995 to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for large cats, who have been mistreated, neglected, and/or displaced. Now, with a loving home, you and the whole group or family can take a trip to the refuge to see these magnificent animals play, eat, frolic, and enjoy life in their beautiful new sanctuary.

Photo provided by Flickr

Big cat refugeTiger Creek in Tyler, TX has seen many updates over recent years, including much improved parking, acres more of habitable tiger and lion areas, and of course, more cats! Other cats have homes here, as well, such as cougars, leopards, and bobcats.

Each big cat habitat has natural stone enclosures, keeping the cats cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Automatic water containers keep the animals' thirsts quenched 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Photo provided by William Warby

See the lionsMake your way to the back of the refuge to see the majestic lions lounging around. Show up at the right time and see them walking around, playing with balls and being active. The black rubber-coated chain-linked fencing allows visitors to see the cats more clearly. This gives people a better perspective of just how large and magnificent these creature really are.

The refuge has recently installed a walk-in cooler and food-prep area, where they make ready the dozens of pounds of raw meat these guys eat on a daily basis.

Water for fun and safetyTiger Creek has two ponds on site, where the tigers can, not only swim when there's time, but also provides the refuge proper drainage and a water source, in case of fire. Full-circle!

Photo provided by Flickr

Adopt a cat!The big cat refuge also has an adoption program, allowing visitors to play their part to help care for and pick out their very own cat. There's a small fee and comes with a certificate of adoption, letter of appreciation, and picture collage of the adopted cat.

For more information on Tiger Creek or their adoption program, please visit: www.tigercreek.org